About

We are the Local Optical Committee Support Unit (LOCSU).

Local Optical Committees (LOCs) are recognised by the NHS as the representative organisation for optometrists and dispensing opticians delivering ophthalmic services such as sight tests and other eye health services.

LOCSU works with LOCs and local NHS Commissioners to develop local eye health services which are more accessible for patients and cost effective for the NHS.

What does LOCSU do?

We use our clinical expertise to develop community/enhanced/extended primary care services pathways for particular eye health problems such as Minor Eye Conditions, Low Vision, People with Learning Difficulties, Glaucoma and Cataracts monitoring. These accredited clinical pathways give LOCs in England the tools which can be used in their negotiations with their local health commissioners.

We visit LOCs and provide training to make sure that members are informed and equipped to negotiate with their local health commissioners in England.

We ensure LOCs get the latest information about tenders for future services, changes to the NHS and the way services will be planned in the future through bulletins, newsletters and alerts.

We work with NHS England and key stakeholders to raise awareness among commissioners of the benefits of extended primary eye care services and to connect commissioners with LOCs to start working together.